An Unmolested 1972 Maico 501 Barn Find For A Skilled Negotiator

This seller gets an A+ in collectable Maicos, a D-minus in salesmanship and an F in motorcycle appraisal. Although missing the front fender, this 1972 Maico 501 appears to have few hours of operation (a rider’s knees rubbed the paint off the fiberglass tank after the 10-hour mark) and chances are it was never raced (aside from a total lack of aftermarket parts, there are no number plates). The bike doesn’t appear to be missing components (except for that fender). The seller should have given more history and additional photos with at least one photo that was in focus. This is a really cool barn-find for any Maico collector and the seller needs to get that message across. Now the big problem.

This is a great find, but trying to talk a buyer down by over 50% of the asking price takes as much chutzpah as the seller displays by asking ten grand.

The $10,000 asking price is way above market value. If the bike was still in its crate, had been owned by Ake Jonsson or is delivered with $7,000 cash stuffed in the air box, then the asking price might seem reasonable (to a Maico diehard). The NADA Guide lists an excellent 501 at $9,500 and one in fair condition at $1,230. Hagerty Insurance goes a little higher, but not much, at $9,800 for excellent and $4,500 for fair.

The phrase “running when parked” (RWP) is code for a once treasured possession that has been neglected in the corner of the garage or tool shed for far too long. Lacking the energy, time or resources to bring the little beauty back to life, the owner lists it for sale in hopes that a new owner will massage it back to health. Our collection of RWP bikes fall into two distinct categories; treasure or trash. And you are the only one who can properly judge which category the bike belongs in.